Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Eccentric, fun musical cartoon has drinking, implied drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
I Heart Arlo
What's the Story?
In I HEART ARLO, an alligator-boy named Arlo (Michael J. Woodard) wakes up singing. He wants to make everyone's day brighter and better in his seaside New York City neighborhood. His best friend Bertie (Mary Lambert) lives nearby, and there are other friends in the community he has adventures with, including Furlecia the cross-dressing hairdresser (Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye), Alia (Haley Tju) the cat with ADHD, and Marcellus (Bret Gelman), the cranky fish. Arlo is trying to become more independent but he really needs to feel connected. Will he get used to being in the big city? Or will his small-town swamp roots get lost in all of the big-city hustle?
Is It Any Good?
Charming, irreverent, colorful, and fun, this cartoon has a soft heart. I Heart Arlo is full of music, antics, pizza, and catnip. Its characters are individuals with a capital "I," which can seem self-conscious at times, but the music and the good vibes are pretty contagious. Some over-the-top gay caricatures can feel like they are playing stereotypes, and it's hard to tell if it's an in joke or not.
This show might trip some triggers for people whose lives are not being lived in urban areas where eccentricity is the name of the game. But tweens will be drawn into the situational, comedic relationships and the caring spirit of Arlo and his friends. Adults might enjoy the right-on vibe too, and the music does pick you up when you're feeling down.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about diversity and representation in I Heart Arlo. Arlo's world is very diverse. Does your community have lots of different types of people? Why is it important?
Bertie is a character whose body type isn't typically seen in shows and movies. What shows or movies make you feel good about the way that your body is shaped?
Arlo is a very good communicator, encouraging his friends to tell him how they feel. What can you learn about communication from a character like Arlo?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 27, 2021
- Cast : Michael J. Woodard , Mary Lambert , Brett Gelman , Jonathan van Ness , Haley Tju , Annie Potts
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 3, 2021
Did we miss something on diversity?
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